SCOTUS

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life in prison without parole for juvenile offenders was unconstitutional. On Monday, the court said that ruling applies to people currently serving sentences for crimes they committed as minors. Current State talks to both a prison reform proponent and a victims’ rights advocate about their reaction to the decision.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette spoke yesterday at a press conference about the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld Michigan’s constitutional amendment which prohibits affirmative action at the State’s public universities. In the 6-2, ruling, the judges offered five separate opinions showcasing drastically different views.

Gay rights activists cheered two decisions yesterday by the U.S. Supreme Court. One overturns the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the other essentially allows same-sex marriages in the state of California. Among other things, the DOMA ruling means many gay spouses will be able to receive Social Security benefits, jointly file tax returns and share healthcare plans without a tax penalty.

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down state laws that allow juveniles to be sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. Michigan is one of several states that allowed juveniles to be sentenced to life without parole.